FPL Draft: Differential Pick-ups & Punts for GameWeek 4

Joe Hart (WHU) – Just what is going wrong with the first choice English goalkeeper? 10 goals conceded in three games, and only 9 saves in the bag. With West Ham welcoming a resilient Huddersfield next, expect the Englishman to rise to the occasion and post a few saves, along with a chance for a first clean sheet as well. Joe Hart performed relatively okay during the International break, and will look to bring that positive momentum forward this week. It’s worth noting that Pickford and Butland are breathing down his neck heavily for the English #1 GK position. There is a lot of pressure on Hart to keep his performances up… now more than ever. [OWN%: 31]

Other worthy differential: Robert Elliot (NEW) away at Swansea. Swansea haven’t been at their attacking best off late, but have had recently made worthy additions since Sigurdssons’s departure. Considering Newcastle’s shaky defensive setup, Elliot has only conceded 3 goals in 3 games, with an average of 3 saves a game. Expect the Irishman to register more saves to keep his side alive in what might be another key encounter for the Magpies. Although a clean sheet is unlikely, the save points may just be worth it in the end if you’re looking for a good return. [OWN%: 5]

Punt: Asmir Begovic (BOU) away to Arsenal. The Bosnian has made 16 saves (2nd most overall) respectively for the Cherries in his first three starts. Away at Arsenal you can expect no less as the Gunners will look to be on the attack from the get-go. Expect him to be involved in making a lot of saves, even if it is highly unlikely that he will pick up a clean sheet.

Defenders

Kyle Naughton (SWA) – Averaging 13.25pts for the Swans after 3 games (or 20 PPM if you exclude the encounter with MUFC) Naughton has basically made his reputation when playing against weaker opposition either at home or away. Welcoming Newcastle to the Liberty Stadium next, expect the full-back to register on both ends of the pitch, with a possible clean sheet. Newcastle struggled away at Huddersfield during GW2, and it might be the case yet again. How Naughton is owned by less than half the Togga owners still baffles me, but I do not expect that to be the case in the future. Pick him up before it’s too late! [OWN %: 37]

Other worthy differential: James Tarkowski(BRN) home to Crystal Palace. Tarkowski is proving to be an able replacement for Michael Keane. He averages the same number of points as his fellow CB Ben Mee, and welcomes a goal-shy Eagles team. Averaging almost 6 aerials a game and matching up next against Benteke, expect another solid performance from the Englishman, while giving Burnley a decent chance to register their first clean sheet of the season. [OWN%: 7]

Punt: Scott Dann (CRY) away to Burnley. A consistent Togga performer of the past, Scott Dann has so far disappointed with an average of only 5 PPM (Frank De Boer what have you done?!). Away at Burnley next, fantasy owners will hope for an improved defensive performance from the Eagles. With 8 goals and 2 assists in his past two EPL seasons, the stats suggest there is always a chance for Dann to come through with an attacking contribution. It is a roll of the dice with this one… I can almost hear the commentator shouting, “It’s that man Scott Dann with a beautiful header when the Eagles needed it most!”

Midfielders

Robbie Brady (BRN) – Like Kyle Naughton, I am surprised to see the low ownership level for this proven Togga performer. The midfielder surprisingly created 5 chances at Wembley, including an assist for what would prove to be an unthinkable 90th minute equalizer. Welcoming a leaky Eagles defence next, you can expect Brady to create more chances and possibly register another assist. Brady could be a one of the differential picks of the week (and future) if you are looking for a minimum 12-15 point return. [OWN%: 21]

Other worthy differential: Solly March (BHA) home to West Brom. Growing increasingly in confidence, and it shows in his points performance going up from 4.5 à 7 à 12, albeit with no goals or assists yet. It’s worth noting that the Baggies have been very resilient at the back, letting in only 1 goal so far. Along with teammate Pascal Gross [OWN% 8], expect March to create chances, and possibly register his first assist or goal for the Seagulls. [OWN% 3]

Punt: Renato Sanches (SWA) home to Newcastle. After surprisingly opting to go on loan to Swansea, the promising Portugese international will look to prove that his impressive Euro performances last year were not a one-off. He will be also be very keen to re-enter the international foray and play for Portugal at the World Cup next year. The question is whether he will be thrust into a first start by Paul Clement. If he does, Sanches will look to make an immediate impact, especially since Sigurdsson’s departure has left a huge hole in the creative department with no one really stepping up to fill it.

Attackers

Joselu (NEW) – Breaking Newcastle’s wretched dry spell in front of goal, Joselu scored a goal in his first start (17.5pts), and is away at Swansea in the upcoming game week. His ownership hasn’t changed drastically, and with form on his side he is definitely someone worth picking up as a Free Agent. Joselu will also be fresh from his rest over the international break, and in this key matchup will look to notch another goal or assist for the Magpies. [OWN %: 10]

Other worthy differential: Chris Wood(BRN) home to Crystal Palace. After Andre Gray’s departure, it seemed unlikely Burnley would find too many goals this season, with all hopes solely resting on Sam Vokes. Enter Chris Wood, who had a stellar season at Leeds last year, and almost single handedly got them a promotion to the EPL. After coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizer in the final minutes, he showed exactly why Burnley invested in his predatory instincts. Add a hattrick for New Zealand in a crucial World Cup qualifying game this past weekend, and you have a player in scintillating form. If he starts this weekend, he is a must-own Togga asset. [OWN%: 14%]

Punt: Wilfred Bony (SWA) home to Newcastle. After his bench warming duties at Manchester City ended, Bony has chosen to return to where it all began for him. With an injured Llorente departing to become a Spurs back-up, Bony with all his experience must surely lead the line for the Swans. Questions about his match fitness may be raised, but if given the start you can count on him to have a fairytale 2nd beginning, as (bizarrely) his new shirt number suggests.